Choose LingQ if you want
Learning from real books, podcasts and video.
Learns from books, podcasts and video the learner chooses, with words saved in context. It is less structured than the course apps, and a Premium membership is needed for every language.
Choose Pimsleur if you want
Listening and speaking practice on the move.
Audio lessons that work hands-free, offline and in the car, with strong recall practice. It has no free tier beyond one lesson, so it costs more to start than the free apps above.
The main differences
- LingQ can be used for free; Pimsleur requires payment.
Side by side
 LingQ |  Pimsleur | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 80.0 | 81.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 7 | #5 of 7 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to start; Premium membership unlocks every language | SubscriptionAll Access and single-language Premium subscriptions; one free lesson |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Main skill practised | Reading and listening | Listening and speaking |
| Lesson format | Books, podcasts and video | 30-minute audio lessons |
| Speaking practice | No | Yes |
| Best for | Learning from real books, podcasts and video | Listening and speaking practice on the move |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about LingQ vs Pimsleur
- Is Pimsleur better than LingQ?
- Pimsleur ranks higher in our list of language learning apps (#5 against #6, score 81.5 against 80.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. LingQ is best for: learning from real books, podcasts and video. Pimsleur is best for: listening and speaking practice on the move.
- Which is cheaper, LingQ or Pimsleur?
- LingQ: Free to start; Premium membership unlocks every language. Pimsleur: All Access and single-language Premium subscriptions; one free lesson.
- Do LingQ and Pimsleur run on the same platforms?
- LingQ supports Web, iOS, Android. Pimsleur supports Web, iOS, Android.